Feeding the masses - Luke 9: 1-17
I hope this these first 10 days of Lent have been as much fun for you as they have been for me. The Journey is moving quickly. It is always amazing to see how each of us see Jesus in different ways.
Today we witnessed Jesus commissioning the twelve. I watched from a distance as he gave them directions. He authorizes them to go out and in essence do what he had been doing. Jesus was willing to share his power and authority with others. He did not appear that he needed to be the only one people were changing lives. It also impressed me that Jesus trusted them completely to do the right thing. Jesus modeled for me how as leaders at work, home, or church, we need to share the work with others.
Upon the disciples return, they were all a buzz. Their was great energy and excitement in their voices. I even think I noticed a few of them swaggering as they came back in to town. Jesus called them to follow him. I guess he was trying to get them off somewhere less public where he could listen to their stories and they could relax without large crowds around them.
Jesus didn’t know it, but someone heard Jesus and his disciples were hanging out near the town of Bethsaida. So we all went to go and see what Jesus was going to do next. Jesus welcomes all who showed up. He healed those who needed healing.
It was getting late in the day, but no one was leaving. The crowd had grown to over 5000 people. We all wanted to listen to what Jesus was teaching. I was getting hungry, but I didn’t want to leave. Then all of a sudden the disciples were instructing us to break into small groups. About an hour later, Jesus began to pray a prayer of blessing over a small group of loaves and fishes. I was not sure what Jesus was doing. Why was he blessing food for just him and his disciples? What about us?
The disciples did not eat, but they started walking out into the crowd with food. I was in the back, so I knew I was not going to get anything. It wasn’t long until one of the disciples showed up to our group. I was amazed. He had a full basket with fish and bread for us. We all eat from the basket and we even had a little left over. What an amazing day.
Questions for reflection and comment:
How would you respond to Jesus instructions to go and heal the sick?
Where would he be sending you today?
What part of the work would excite you most?
What part of the work would scare you?
What would your reaction been when Jesus said he was going to feed the crowd?
Would you have protested? Why?
Friday, February 15, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Day 9 on the Journey
And the Power went out… Luke 8: 40 – 56
In today’s reading, I found myself imagining Jesus in a rush to help another person, but the crowd was pressed in upon. It was wall to wall people. I reminded me of what I think the sidewalks in New York City are like at rush hour. Jesus was being jostled as he made his way through the crowd.
I imagined a frail woman who was walking several steps behind him. She was moving as quickly as she could. She was shoving her way through the crowd. She come to see Jesus and she was afraid that she would not see him again. This was her only chance. Desperately trying to get to Jesus she lunges forward and catches his robe.
Then Jesus stopped suddenly causing a human traffic jam. Surely she was not expecting the entire crowd to stop, but it did. I am sure she was delighted to be healed. At the same time I bet she was also terrified at being singled out.
Questions for reflection and comments:
What happens next?
How does Jesus voice sound when he asks, “who touched me?”
What kind of risk do you need to take with Jesus so you can be whole?
Luke 8: 54 – 56
Why does Jesus keep telling people not to tell about their experience of Jesus’ power?
Do you think the family really would not tell? Why or Why not?
In today’s reading, I found myself imagining Jesus in a rush to help another person, but the crowd was pressed in upon. It was wall to wall people. I reminded me of what I think the sidewalks in New York City are like at rush hour. Jesus was being jostled as he made his way through the crowd.
I imagined a frail woman who was walking several steps behind him. She was moving as quickly as she could. She was shoving her way through the crowd. She come to see Jesus and she was afraid that she would not see him again. This was her only chance. Desperately trying to get to Jesus she lunges forward and catches his robe.
Then Jesus stopped suddenly causing a human traffic jam. Surely she was not expecting the entire crowd to stop, but it did. I am sure she was delighted to be healed. At the same time I bet she was also terrified at being singled out.
Questions for reflection and comments:
What happens next?
How does Jesus voice sound when he asks, “who touched me?”
What kind of risk do you need to take with Jesus so you can be whole?
Luke 8: 54 – 56
Why does Jesus keep telling people not to tell about their experience of Jesus’ power?
Do you think the family really would not tell? Why or Why not?
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Day 8 on the Journey
Jesus heals again – Luke 8: 11-17
Today, I got to see something powerful and amazing. Jesus encountered a raving lunatic who many times ran around naked. When this man ran up to Jesus and asked him, “What have you to do with me?” Jesus responded calmly. He said what is your name. The name was struck and confused by Jesus actions. No one had ever talked with him before. I watched as Jesus and this man had a conversation. The man was transformed and healed. By the end of their time together, the man was dressed and sitting at Jesus feet and learning from him.
The more I think about this story, I wonder which was more miraculous – That Jesus had spoken to the man or that the man had somehow regained his sanity.
What do you think?
I think I witnessed a miracle when the man understood Jesus’ care for him as a person. This man was alone and cut off from society. No one ever wanted to know his name and most were afraid of him. He was known as the madman or lunatic in the area. Jesus however wanted to know his name. Jesus changed his life.
Questions for Reflection and comment:
What else captured you in the story?
In our current society there are numerous people who may not be living in a graveyard, but who are cut off from society. Individuals who are filled with demons (hatred, addiction, abuse, etc.) which keep them isolated.
As a disciple can we be bold enough to stop and ask them their name?
Can we take time to get to know them and show them they are valued and cared for?
I think that is what Jesus is trying to teach us in this story… beyond the message of Jesus power over evil. The good news is that with Christ’s help demons can be driven out of our lives.
Today, I got to see something powerful and amazing. Jesus encountered a raving lunatic who many times ran around naked. When this man ran up to Jesus and asked him, “What have you to do with me?” Jesus responded calmly. He said what is your name. The name was struck and confused by Jesus actions. No one had ever talked with him before. I watched as Jesus and this man had a conversation. The man was transformed and healed. By the end of their time together, the man was dressed and sitting at Jesus feet and learning from him.
The more I think about this story, I wonder which was more miraculous – That Jesus had spoken to the man or that the man had somehow regained his sanity.
What do you think?
I think I witnessed a miracle when the man understood Jesus’ care for him as a person. This man was alone and cut off from society. No one ever wanted to know his name and most were afraid of him. He was known as the madman or lunatic in the area. Jesus however wanted to know his name. Jesus changed his life.
Questions for Reflection and comment:
What else captured you in the story?
In our current society there are numerous people who may not be living in a graveyard, but who are cut off from society. Individuals who are filled with demons (hatred, addiction, abuse, etc.) which keep them isolated.
As a disciple can we be bold enough to stop and ask them their name?
Can we take time to get to know them and show them they are valued and cared for?
I think that is what Jesus is trying to teach us in this story… beyond the message of Jesus power over evil. The good news is that with Christ’s help demons can be driven out of our lives.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Day 7 on the Journey - Luke 7: 1-10
Jesus Heals –
Jesus heals another person. In the story a man’s faith heals his beloved servant. I have read this story before many times. I have always seen the main topic as faith. Don’t get me wrong faith and healing are important for us to recognize and remember from our followings of Jesus.
However, because we are walking with Jesus everyday and I am encountering Jesus everyday in the way Luke shares his life. I noticed something else. This story is also about loving our enemies. Remember Jesus had just taught us about loving our enemies and then we encounter Jesus living it out.
The Roman occupation was not well received by most of the people. These soldiers used their force in unjust and cruel ways. They would make the Jewish people carry their packs for a mile. They would call them racist and nasty names. The conflict between the Jewish people and the Roman army was clear. It would not have been uncommon for the Jewish community to have made comments like, “the only good Roman is a dead Roman.”
From this story apparently there were some Roman Soldiers who treated citizens kindly. The one in this story not only treated people kindly, but he also helped support the local synagogue in Capernaum. Jesus showed that love for all people no matter where they are from or who they work for they are received with compassion and love.
Questions for reflection and comment:
You are the friend of the Centurion who has been sent to speak to Jesus. How does Jesus receive you?
What does he say to you?
What tone of voice do you hear?
Or
Imagine you have a friend who needs healing and has an equally important need as the centurion’s servant.
Will you go see Jesus?
How do you say to him about your friend?
What request do you want to make of Jesus?
Jesus heals another person. In the story a man’s faith heals his beloved servant. I have read this story before many times. I have always seen the main topic as faith. Don’t get me wrong faith and healing are important for us to recognize and remember from our followings of Jesus.
However, because we are walking with Jesus everyday and I am encountering Jesus everyday in the way Luke shares his life. I noticed something else. This story is also about loving our enemies. Remember Jesus had just taught us about loving our enemies and then we encounter Jesus living it out.
The Roman occupation was not well received by most of the people. These soldiers used their force in unjust and cruel ways. They would make the Jewish people carry their packs for a mile. They would call them racist and nasty names. The conflict between the Jewish people and the Roman army was clear. It would not have been uncommon for the Jewish community to have made comments like, “the only good Roman is a dead Roman.”
From this story apparently there were some Roman Soldiers who treated citizens kindly. The one in this story not only treated people kindly, but he also helped support the local synagogue in Capernaum. Jesus showed that love for all people no matter where they are from or who they work for they are received with compassion and love.
Questions for reflection and comment:
You are the friend of the Centurion who has been sent to speak to Jesus. How does Jesus receive you?
What does he say to you?
What tone of voice do you hear?
Or
Imagine you have a friend who needs healing and has an equally important need as the centurion’s servant.
Will you go see Jesus?
How do you say to him about your friend?
What request do you want to make of Jesus?
Monday, February 11, 2008
Day 6 on the Journey - Luke 6: 27-36
Can you image yourself sitting with Jesus as he was giving this teaching? I did. I imagined how I listened and listened to these instructions he was giving his disciples, but I was not sure how I or any of them could really do what he was asking.
As the day went on I got my chance. Jesus and I were alone and I was able to ask my questions. I began by saying, Jesus what you taught earlier sounds really foreign and made me uncomfortable…
Imagine for yourself what you might ask. I first would ask Jesus where he came up with these radical ideas. How will you ask him? Imagine yourself asking Jesus, “what made you say that?” Go ahead and keep asking the difficult questions you might have. My question was, “Jesus, can this ethic of love really happen in this world?” What are your questions?
Questions for reflection and comment:
How does he look at you when you ask these questions?
What does he say?
What is the source of his inspiration?
How did if feel to be asking Jesus these questions?
As the day went on I got my chance. Jesus and I were alone and I was able to ask my questions. I began by saying, Jesus what you taught earlier sounds really foreign and made me uncomfortable…
Imagine for yourself what you might ask. I first would ask Jesus where he came up with these radical ideas. How will you ask him? Imagine yourself asking Jesus, “what made you say that?” Go ahead and keep asking the difficult questions you might have. My question was, “Jesus, can this ethic of love really happen in this world?” What are your questions?
Questions for reflection and comment:
How does he look at you when you ask these questions?
What does he say?
What is the source of his inspiration?
How did if feel to be asking Jesus these questions?
Day 5 on the Journey - Luke 6: 12 - 26
Luke 6: 12-19
When I was reading the calling of the disciples, I found myself in a different place than ever before. I was one of many people who had been following Jesus around the last several weeks and months. One day Jesus went off and prayed all night and when he returned the next day he began to list those whom were to be his disciples.
I was listening and waiting to hear if my name was to be called. I was nervous. I was not sure I really was ready to be his disciple. I had really mixed feelings. I was not sure if I was qualified. I wasn’t sure I wanted to be on the inner circle. Yes Jesus was healing people, but at the same time he was instantiating confrontation. I don’t like conflict. Then I started hearing so of the names he called, and thinking why would he choose them? One was a zealot and a couple of others were real hotheads. I am sure Jesus had a reason. Jesus kept calling names and I waited…
Where you chosen?
How do you think those who did not get chosen might have felt?
What was Jesus reason for picking you?
Luke 6: 20 – 26
It is hard to understand Jesus at times. He speaks in riddles and I am not sure how I feel about that.
As I read these verses from Luke my mind jumped to modern times. I saw Jesus speaking these words at the door of the food stamp distribution center. These people had gathered to receive there month’s allotment of food stamps. And Jesus says, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Bless are you who are hungry no, for you will be filled.”
How do you think people reacted?
How would you feel if you were with Jesus when he was teaching this?
What was Jesus trying to teach us and others?
I can imagine people hearing Jesus and saying, “he speaks in contradictions. A person is either rich or poor, hungry or fed. How could he speak to us about being poor, hungry, and blessed at the same time? Life is not like that.”
What would you say to Jesus?
What would you say to those who were standing in line?
What was Jesus trying to get us to understand?
When I was reading the calling of the disciples, I found myself in a different place than ever before. I was one of many people who had been following Jesus around the last several weeks and months. One day Jesus went off and prayed all night and when he returned the next day he began to list those whom were to be his disciples.
I was listening and waiting to hear if my name was to be called. I was nervous. I was not sure I really was ready to be his disciple. I had really mixed feelings. I was not sure if I was qualified. I wasn’t sure I wanted to be on the inner circle. Yes Jesus was healing people, but at the same time he was instantiating confrontation. I don’t like conflict. Then I started hearing so of the names he called, and thinking why would he choose them? One was a zealot and a couple of others were real hotheads. I am sure Jesus had a reason. Jesus kept calling names and I waited…
Where you chosen?
How do you think those who did not get chosen might have felt?
What was Jesus reason for picking you?
Luke 6: 20 – 26
It is hard to understand Jesus at times. He speaks in riddles and I am not sure how I feel about that.
As I read these verses from Luke my mind jumped to modern times. I saw Jesus speaking these words at the door of the food stamp distribution center. These people had gathered to receive there month’s allotment of food stamps. And Jesus says, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Bless are you who are hungry no, for you will be filled.”
How do you think people reacted?
How would you feel if you were with Jesus when he was teaching this?
What was Jesus trying to teach us and others?
I can imagine people hearing Jesus and saying, “he speaks in contradictions. A person is either rich or poor, hungry or fed. How could he speak to us about being poor, hungry, and blessed at the same time? Life is not like that.”
What would you say to Jesus?
What would you say to those who were standing in line?
What was Jesus trying to get us to understand?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
A quick note about the Lent postings...
I have been asked to post a day in advance...
I hope posting in advance will not confuse you.
Please note that the 40 days of our journey do not count the 6 Sundays in lent. So my post each Sunday does not have a number on it.
To try to keep everyone on the same day of readings, I will always post the scripture reading the post is related to.
Thanks for all who have commented and who are going to comment. Your ideas and questions will help us all as we try to keep going and following Jesus all the way to the Cross.
Have Fun with this... I know I am!
I hope posting in advance will not confuse you.
Please note that the 40 days of our journey do not count the 6 Sundays in lent. So my post each Sunday does not have a number on it.
To try to keep everyone on the same day of readings, I will always post the scripture reading the post is related to.
Thanks for all who have commented and who are going to comment. Your ideas and questions will help us all as we try to keep going and following Jesus all the way to the Cross.
Have Fun with this... I know I am!
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